In A High-Tech World, Face-To-Face Contact Still Counts

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, we all learned what can be accomplished remotely with technology. We also learned there’s no substitute for face-to-face contact.

Technology can help people stay connected, broaden a network or raise awareness over a certain topic or cause. It can be extremely helpful, but with over-reliance on technology or when it’s used to replace in-person conversation, a handshake or personal relationships, there can be bad outcomes, such as misinformation, poorly informed decisions, loss of community and anxiety.

Without doubt, these are fast-moving, exciting and perhaps unnerving times for the entire maritime sector. Government leaders are showing new attention to maritime issues at a level that hasn’t been seen in a generation. Dizzying changes in trade policy are happening at a pace that makes it hard to keep up, creating uncertainties that are challenging all parts of the supply chain—and maybe, in some cases, creating new opportunities.

Making sense of it all from a phone is an ability most humans don’t have. In this fast-paced world, slowing down, engaging in in-person dialogue and connecting with peers can help us digest the state of things and form collective thoughts on what the future we want looks like and how to get there.

That’s why events like the Inland Marine Expo exist, and we hope to see you at IMX in Nashville, Tenn., May 28–30.